At the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit in Dubai, global mayors praised the city’s leadership in innovation, sustainability, and future city planning.
DUBAI: International city leaders convening at the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum 2025 at Expo City Dubai have praised the emirate’s dynamic role in shaping urban innovation and global sustainability. The summit, taking place from 27–29 October, serves as a major platform for exchanging insights on city transformation, smart infrastructure, and climate-responsive urban planning.
Dubai’s rapid economic and urban growth, combined with its forward-thinking policies, earned admiration from mayors and government delegates attending from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In particular, Dubai was applauded for translating vision into action through large-scale smart city initiatives and global partnerships.
Kim Byung-min, Vice Mayor of Seoul, highlighted Dubai’s synergy with Seoul in digitalisation and urban resilience. “Dubai is an inspiring city, known for its rapid economic development and leadership in global cultural trends,” he told the Emirates News Agency. He added that the summit fosters collaboration in areas critical to global cities such as climate change, digital technology, and inclusive growth.
Sam Atul, Mayor of Lira City, Uganda, also lauded Dubai’s model of innovation and urban sustainability. He cited growing cooperation between the UAE and Uganda, particularly in the energy sector, where UAE teams are currently engaged in oil development projects in Uganda, expected to come online by 2027.
The forum has positioned Dubai not only as a host, but as a benchmark for cities navigating complex urban challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape. With over 100 cities represented, the event fosters city-to-city dialogue, partnership, and sustainable innovation rooted in real-world application.
The Asia-Pacific Cities Summit has emerged as a critical convening ground for municipal leaders to explore strategies for smarter, greener, and more resilient cities — a vision Dubai continues to lead with regional and global impact.
